He'd have to win his other fights if they come about first. I don't think Alexei has ever faced someone like Stapes before and feel he'd get beaten decisively a la Jack Mason.

At 5' 5" Alexei wasn't built for WW.. at LW hes a different beast, he just needed his first stoppage to convince him.. If he loses the reserve fight against Stu I'll eat my stinking shin pads, the rankings aren't out yet but he should be top 20 imho, so it wont be a walk over by a long way

BUT, here's the thing. A loser can't progress, not even by injury default etc. so in theory the reserve bout winner could come in at for the final a la:

In that scenario, it's an open field. This tourney is going to be mad. At some point on the night someone will surely get injured or something and not be able to progress, nature of the beast! Excited for it now.